Test Engineer, Electromechanical Integration
$130k - $170k USD
About the Company
Panthalassa is a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our mission is to capture civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.
We are headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and operate as a public benefit corporation backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, and university endowments. Our team includes individuals with experience at SpaceX, Tesla, Apple, Blue Origin, the U.S. military, and leading research universities. We operate as an idea meritocracy—where the best ideas win—and we’re building the most capable engineering and operations team on the planet.
About the Job
We are seeking an experienced Test Engineer, Electromechanical Integration to design, build, and commission control systems and mechanical hardware for our large-scale test facilities. This role spans the complete lifecycle - from CAD design and electrical schematics through panel fabrication, assembly, and commissioning - bridging mechanical and electrical engineering.
You'll collaborate closely with other engineers and designers across disciplines to determine system requirements, design hardware, and integrate mechanical and electronics systems into functional assemblies. Your work will ensure our test infrastructure operates safely, meets industrial standards, and performs reliably in demanding environments.
You'll also get hands-on; assembling, wiring, and machining parts to bring ideas into functional prototypes and final hardware. Within your first year, you'll be a trusted contributor to critical builds and a go-to resource for practical design and integration expertise.
Responsibilities
- Design and fabricate electrical control panels, enclosures, and wiring harnesses for test systems; select components, cables, and connectors
- Create electrical schematics, P&IDs (Process and Instrumentation Diagrams), interconnect drawings, and panel layouts; document designs, build processes, and test procedures for production and repeatability
- Program and commission PLCs, configure VFDs, and design Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems for test equipment control
- Design mechanical hardware, assemblies, and fixtures using 3D CAD software; create fabrication drawings and provide DFM/DFA feedback
- Perform electrical troubleshooting, system integration debugging, and resolve hardware issues
- Execute basic mechanical fabrication tasks including machining, assembly, and integration of electromechanical systems
- Ensure compliance with NEC, UL508A, and NFPA79 standards
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 6+ years of experience with industrial controls and electromechanical systems
- Proficiency in PLC programming
- Proficiency with parametric 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar); NX preferred
- Experience designing electrical control panels and creating electrical schematics
- Ability to create mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs
- Hands-on experience with tools and techniques used in the electronics industry: soldering irons, crimpers, multimeters, and related tools
- Skilled in the use of hand tools and measuring tools for fabrication and assembly
- Understanding of NEC, UL508A, and NFPA79 compliance
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with CODESYS PLC platform and proficiency with IEC 61131-3 PLC languages (ladder logic, structured text, function blocks)
- Experience with VFDs, motor control systems, industrial communication protocols (Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, IO-Link), and SCADA systems
- Skilled in the use of manual machine tools (mills, lathes, etc.)
- Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition systems
- Familiarity with embedded systems and Linux/Unix hardware
- Experience in high-consequence or high-reliability industries (aerospace, aviation, heavy industrial equipment, renewable energy)
- Familiarity with PLM or configuration management systems
- Basic knowledge of process control loop design and PID tuning
- Experience with programming or scripting (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) and version control systems (Git)
The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.
Additional Requirements
- You may be required to be on your feet for up to 8 hours per day and occasionally lift objects weighing 30 pounds or more. You should be comfortable occasionally working in elevated work areas, including ladders and platforms, while using appropriate safety equipment.
- You must also be able to work safely in confined spaces when required. All necessary safety protocols and equipment will be provided.
- You will occasionally be asked to help other teams within the company, such as facilities, office management, and logistics.
- The ability to support occasional deployment or field assignments is preferred. While this is not a deal breaker, candidates should be open to periodic travel or on-site work as needed for operational support.
Compensation and Benefits
If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:
- Cash compensation of $130,000–$170,000.
- Equity in the company. We’re all owners and if we’re successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
- A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
- Flexible paid time off
- Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
- Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents)
- Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full time employees, their partners, and dependents)
- Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long term financial support if you become disabled)
- Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
- Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).
Location
This is an onsite position. This position requires daily on-site work. Our offices, lab and shop, are located in Portland, Oregon.
Candidates must have the legal right to work in the United States. We are unable to provide new visa sponsorship for this role; however, we may consider H-1B transfer applications from exceptional candidates.